On the 19th to the 20th of March, we went on our overnighter for the William Pike.

After arriving at the Omaka Scout Camp, we took all our gear and put it into a shed. Then we took a five-minute walk to Lake Rua where we did our sailing! First, we learned how to set our sailing boats up, then we learned how to actually sail our boats. Before we knew it we were out on the water! We had to sail our boats out to a buoy about 5 metres out from the shore. After having our lunch, we moved the buoy out about 10 metres out and sailed out to that. Then finally the time came to de-rig our boats and get changed.

Back at camp we set up our tent and started setting our beds up. We all hung out then it was time to cook dinner. Larisa cooked nachos for dinner and my group's plates were clean by the time we finished.

For dessert, my group and Isla, Lainey, Lilly, and Zooey shared our desserts. We all had brownies, pineapple lumps, crunchie bar slice, Skittles, chocolate, and party mix lollies. Then we played Spotlight and went to bed. In the tent, it was kinda chilly, but we survived. Luckily we all bought our thermals and woolly hats. Also, our sleeping bags were cosy, most of the time…

On day 2, we all woke up and made breakfast. Then packed up, put all our stuff back in the shed, and got ready for rafting. It was a 45-ish minute walk to the groynes, where we all got to split into groups and do either rafting or river crossing. I did rafting first, we had to make groups of four and make our own rafts out of sticks, ropes, and tire like floatation things. The aim was to make it down the river without sinking. My group made it! Then after morning tea we made our way to the river crossing, we learned about safe ways to cross a river, and what to do if you don’t feel comfortable in particular situations.

After a short bus ride back to the campsite, we got all our stuff and put it all in the bus. And off we went!😎

The most enjoyable part of the camp for me was when we played spotlight before bed and found more things in the Omaha scout camp that we didn’t know were there.

The most challenging part of the camp was when we had to build the raft as a team and try to float all the way down the river at the groynes.

I showed the school value of determination when we had to move our whole tent to make room for another group's tent.

By Charlotte B.